Newsletter

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentIn 2025, global property investors are increasingly turning to emerging markets that offer strong growth potential outside traditional hubs like London and Dubai. Destinations such as Penang and Johor Bahru in Malaysia offer affordable, high-quality developments alongside improved visa options and key infrastructure like the RTS link to Singapore. Sri Lanka’s southern coast is bouncing back with low-cost coastal properties and favorable foreign investment policies, while Albania's scenic Riviera draws European interest due to its affordability and EU aspirations. Inland Portugal regions like Braga and Alentejo appeal with their tranquility and lower prices compared to coastal cities, and Türkiye remains attractive thanks to its citizenship-by-investment program and vibrant expat communities in coastal cities.At the same time, North and East Bali are emerging as strategic alternatives to the saturated south, with developers and investors focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable villa developments. Across these under-the-radar markets, common 2025 investment themes include liberalizing residency laws, strong tourism recovery, infrastructure growth, and investor-friendly policies. These trends are creating compelling opportunities for buyers seeking stable rental returns and versatile properties suited to both leisure and remote working lifestyles.Click for more info!

Written by Hamid R. Azarmi, Head of Business DevelopmentIn today’s unpredictable economic landscape, financial planning must emphasizeresilience alongside growth.Key strategies include maintaining liquidity through emergency funds and accessible investments, diversifying beyond the traditional stock-bond mix across asset classes and geographies, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen risks. Simplifying financial management—by consolidating accounts and automating savings—also helps reduce stress and avoid knee-jerk decisions during market swings.Moreover, investors can harness volatility as an advantage by using strategies like dollar-cost averaging, which smooth out market entry points over time. Staying anchored to long-term goals is crucial—whether it’s owning a home, retiring early, or building generational wealth. Regularly revisiting these goals helps align your financial actions with both current conditions and future aspirations. In an era of uncertainty, true financial strength lies not just in wealth accumulation but in having a flexible, shockproof strategy that endures.click for more info

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR DirectorIn 2025, Dubai is emerging as a global education leader, seizing an opportunity created by tightening student visa policies in traditional destinations like the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. Rising uncertainty, such as that faced by Taiwanese student Chu who was set to study at Harvard, is prompting international students to consider more stable alternatives. Dubai, with its proactive policies and growing reputation, is now a top choice. As Kashif Ansari, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Juwai IQI, explains, the city isn’t justreacting—it’s prepared. With over 237,000 international students, 57 branch campuses, and dedicated academic hubs like Dubai Knowledge Park, the city has already laid the groundwork for global academic excellence.Dubai’s Education 33 strategy aims to make it one of the world’s top 10 education destinations by 2033, multiplying student numbers and creating a thriving knowledge economy. International interest is booming, with overseas university enquiries rising sevenfold. The potential economic benefits are substantial—mirroring gains seen in the U.S. and Australia, where international students contribute tens of billions annually. Beyond economic impact, Dubai’s growing education sector promises to boost research,innovation, and opportunities for its own youth. As traditional powerhouses pull back, Dubai is stepping up with infrastructure, leadership, and vision—poised to become a long-term hub for global higher learning.Click for more info!

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy ValuersInternationalMalaysia’s industrial parks have played a critical role in transforming the country into a manufacturing and export-driven economy, with Selangor, Johor, and Pulau Pinang leading the charge. However, many older industrial zones—such as Shah Alam and Klang in Selangor, or Pasir Gudang in Johor—are beginning to show signs of age, facing challenges like outdated infrastructure, digital gaps, and environmental inefficiencies. In response, state-led initiatives like the Selangor Industrial Master Plan and public-private partnerships in Johor are pushing for modern upgrades, green technology, and smarter logistics. Meanwhile, new industrial zones like Elmina Business Park and developments under Iskandar Malaysia are showcasing what the next generation of industrial growth could look like.Pulau Pinang’s Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone remains a key hub for electronics and medical devices, backed by a skilled workforce and innovation-led economy. Yet, limited space and aging infrastructure are prompting shifts towards new development on the mainland, notably in Batu Kawan, with smart-city infrastructure being built from the ground up. As Malaysia embraces Industry 4.0, the national New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) is supporting the transformation toward smart, sustainable industrial ecosystems. Future competitiveness will depend on integrating 5G, IoT, energy efficiency, and talent development—ensuring the country's industrial base remains globally relevant in the decades to come.click for more info!

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief EconomistThe global economic landscape in 2025 is marked by heightened uncertainty, driven by deepening geopolitical risks, volatile tariff policies, and mounting fiscal pressures—particularly in the U.S. While central banks are pivoting toward lower interest rates to sustain growth, market volatility has intensified, causing a disconnect between U.S. yields and the dollar. Despite 5% Treasury yields, the dollar has depreciated due to investor concerns over U.S. fiscal discipline and governance, especially after new tariffs and rising deficits. The “bro billionaire” tech stocks have surged 45% post-election, while small-cap “Main Street” stocks have lagged, revealing imbalances in market sentiment.Investor focus is shifting toward tangible assets, echoing strategies from the 1970s. Weekly capital flows show major inflows into cash ($94.8bn), bonds ($15.8bn), and gold ($1.9bn), with emerging markets also gaining traction. Technology remains attractive, supported by innovation in AI, robotics, and climate tech. However, experts suggest a more selective approach to equities, favoring "growth at a reasonable price" and emphasizing real assets as protection against inflation and currency devaluation. Overall, while opportunities persist, the path forward demands careful diversification and strategic positioning in a rapidly changing global environment.click for more info!

Written by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic AdvisorIn 2025, savvy investors are eyeing emerging real estate markets that offer high potential beyond the typical hotspots like London or Dubai.Destinations such as Malaysia’s Penang and Johor Bahru stand out due to affordable, high-quality developments, improved expat visa schemes, and strategic infrastructure like the RTS rail link to Singapore.Sri Lanka’s southern coast is rebounding with bargain-priced coastal villas and increasing foreign incentives, while Albania's budget-friendly Riviera and EU candidacy attract Europeans seeking visa-friendly Mediterranean escapes.Inland regions of Portugal—Braga, Viseu, and Alentejo—offer tranquility and investment potential as urban prices soar, while Türkiye continues to benefit from its citizenship-by-investment appeal and growing expat communities in lifestyle-rich areas like Antalya and Fethiye.Meanwhile, North and East Bali emerge as prime alternatives to the overcrowded south, attracting developers focused on eco-villas and slow tourism. These under-the-radar regions share key 2025 investment trends: improving residency policies, booming tourism with digital nomad appeal, expanding infrastructure, and local openness to foreign investors. With stable rental yields and growing dual-purpose markets for both vacationers and remote workers, these locations represent a new wave of global real estate opportunities tailored to evolving investor and lifestyle demands.click for more info!

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers InternationalThe East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is more than a railway project, it is a game changing economic reshaping Malaysia’s east and west coast connectivity. Stretching across 665 kilometres from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Port Klang, Selangor, the ECRL is built to serve both passenger and cargo, with a dual-track electric rail system capable of speeds up to 160 km/h for passengers and 80 km/h for cargo. Once completed, it’s set to boost everything from logistics and real estate to industrial growth and tourism.One of the impacts of the ECRL is on real estate. New stations and transport hubs in areas like Mentakab, Kuantan, and Dungun are increasing interest in nearby land and property. Improved accessibility is attracting investors and developers to previously remote locations. Property prices are expected to rise, especially near transit-oriented developments (TODs), where mixed-use projects are likely to thrive. In Terengganu, for example, TODs are being planned around the six ECRL stations, and this could pave the way for new townships and lively urban centres in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).Strategic ports such as Kuantan, Kemaman, Kertih, and Tok Bali are set to benefit immensely from the ECRL. By connecting these ports to Port Klang via an efficient land bridge, the rail link reduces logistics costs and transit times for cargo shipments. Kuantan Port is expected to grow into a key regional transshipment hub, while Kemaman and Kertih ports, will support industries like oil, gas, and chemical. Tok Bali, with its proximity to agriculture and fisheries activities, can leverage the ECRL to access wider markets, boosting local economies.To support the integration of rail logistics, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is working on policies to encourage cargo companies to move away from road transport. The idea is to reduce road congestion, reduce accident risks, and improve the flow of goods. The policy is expected to be implemented when the ECRL becomes operational, which is projected for early 2027.Supporting this logistics revolution are ECER industrial parks strategically located along the ECRL route. These include the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Kertih Biopolymer Park, Pahang Technology Park, Kuantan Fish Processing Park and the Tok Bali Industrial Park. These parks are tailored to attract high value industries such as manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing, and petrochemicals. This creates a shared advantage, streamlined logistics for businesses and broader development for the region.Beyond logistics and real estate, the ECRL is also opening new frontiers in rail tourism. With scenic routes through lush forests, rivers, and coastal towns, the ECRL offers a unique travel experience that could rival other scenic railways in Asia. The development of Recreational Vehicle (RV) tourism in ECER is another innovative initiative. By establishing RV parks near ECRL stations and tourist attractions, Malaysia aims to draw local and foreign tourists seeking flexible, land-based travel experiences.In conclusion, the ECRL is not just a rail line it is an economic artery. Its impact on real estate, ports, industry, and tourism will be long-lasting, contributing significantly to the goals of balanced national development under the Shared Prosperity Vision.As Malaysia accelerates into a new era of connectivity, the ECRL is laying the tracks for a more connected, balanced, and prosperous Malaysia.click for more info!

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentThe latest NAPIC Q1 2025 Snapshot shows that affordable housing continues to dominate Malaysia’s new residential supply.In the first quarter of 2025, 12,498 new residential units were launched nationwide. Of this total, a significant 22.5% (2,809units) were priced below RM300,000, while 42.8% (5,350 units) fell in the RM300,001 to RM500,000 range. Combined, this means that 65.3% of all new launches were priced under RM500,000, clearly showing that affordable options remain widelyavailable.Price Is Not the Main BarrierFor years, many first-time buyers and young families have cited high prices as the primary obstacle to homeownership. But with nearly 2,800 units launched under RM300,000 and more than 5,000 under RM500,000, the evidence shows that affordable homeownership is well within reach.Where Are These Homes Being Launched?The top three states with the most new residential launches in Q1 2025 were: - Johor: 3,194 units - Selangor: 2,129 units - Negeri Sembilan: 1,838 unitsThese are not fringe or rural areas—they are active growth zones with expanding infrastructure and vibrant job markets.What Else Does the Data Show?Of the total launches: - 72.8% (9,102 units) were landed homes - 27.2% (3,396 units) were high-rise propertiesMalaysian buyers have long shown a strong preference for landed homes over high-rise living. With nearly three-quarters of all new launches being landed units, the good news is that these preferred options are still widely available.Final ThoughtsThe first quarter of 2025 confirms one thing: affordable homes are out there, but they won’t last forever. With construction costs rising and demand building up, prices may not remain this accessible.Click for more info!